After the verdict, Inspector Lovelock's solicitor Rod Fletcher read out a statement: "Inspector Lovelock wishes publicly to express his sincere personal regret for the injury caused to Mrs Groce in this tragic accident."

Mrs Groce was represented by solicitor Paul Boateng, who said she would be "vigorously pursuing" a claim for compensation.

The Home Secretary, Douglas Hurd, ordered a special working party to be set up after the shooting of Mrs Groce.

It is expected to lay down new guidelines for police using firearms.

But calls for special firearms units have been rejected by the police federation.

Chairman Leslie Curtis said it was important officers were given rigorous training in the use of firearms.

He added: "At the end of the day you have placed the gun in the hands of a human being - you will never eradicate the (occasional) mistake that occurs."